Just to Watch Him Die Thursday, October 30, 2003

My good buddy Dave has written a nifty little obit for Johnny Cash, including a list of favorite songs. I'd add "Without Love" (written by his son-in-law, Nick Lowe), "I Walk the Line" (whose first line, "I keep a close watch on this heart of mine," John Cale turned into a memorable song), "Get Rhythm" (rockabilly at its best), and, of course, "Ring of Fire." I would blaspheme, though, and say that the Stan Ridgway/Wall of Voodoo cover of that song resonates more strongly than the original does. It sounds like it was recorded in the engine room of an aircraft carrier, with the pulse of the engines taking the place of the brappy Mexican horns. Unbeatable, and Stan's in fine voice.

On the whole, Johnny Cash has receded for me. He was rock-n-roll the same way Frank Sinatra was rock-n-roll--a musician who was so undeniably talented he stood above genre and became an icon of cool. But I think Johnny made a mistake letting himself get co-opted by the kids (e.g., recording with U2)--the same way Frank stumbled by recording, say, Rod McKuen songs. The kids understand the magnetism, but they don't get the nuances. So the records come off sounding a bit arch, if not campy.

Whatever. Johnny was a genius, and doesn't need my help. And Frankie was a kind of saint. Discuss.

@ 10:28:00 AM,

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